Arcane Existence - Colossus (2021)

Hailing from the USA, today we have newcomers Arcane Existence and their lush and haunting Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal release “Colossus”. With a very lively and engaging style, the band borrows from some of the genre greats (Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, etc.) but manages to carve a different and unique style for themselves. For nearly 56 minutes this release will certainly transport you to a different world, exactly what albums like this one should do.

Opening with the lavish “Mystic”, the band sets a very cinematic and mysterious mood, thanks to lush symphonic arrangements and crafty Metal elements. As the album progresses, tracks like “Sovereign Blood” and “Transmutation” show the heavier side of the band with pummeling drums, varied riffs, and a good balance of harsh and clean vocals. With small transition pieces like “Formation” before more elaborate and moody tracks like Dimmu Borgir-esque “Conclave”, the band keeps the album interesting and fresh.

There are certain songs like “The Altar”, where one can instantly find the band’s North American influences of outfits like Into Eternity and Abigail Williams, and they perfectly blend them with more European-styled antics on songs like the playful “Conducting the Scourge”. Both of the band’s vocalists are female, and they kick some serious ass as they mastefully alternate, creating an immersive experience filled with effective contrast.

Closing strong with “Beneath Withered Stone” and the mellow orchestral outro “A Light Between Realms”, Arcane Existence has managed to craft a very polished and engaging release. We particularly enjoyed that the band gives their music a certain epic/folky and playful edge, rather than a super serious or super cheesy one. If you like fresh and engaging Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal and are tired of your releases from the early 2000’s, give this album a chance.

Label: Self-Released

Release: August 20th, 2021

Genre: Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal

Country: USA